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What is Black Algae in a Pool? Understanding and Removing It

Black algae is one of the most tenacious and durable pool algae. Unlike the green algae formed in patches on the pool’s surface, black algae can take root in the pool’s walls and floors, making it more challenging to scrub off, said Arnold Soren, president of Soren’s Pools & Spas, an Aloha, Ore., pool company. Knowing what black algae is and how to clean it properly will keep your pool sparkling, algae-free, and safe. Fortunately, the right way means having the proper equipment to eliminate black algae from your pool to achieve a cleaner swimming environment, from a robot pool cleaner to a pool vacuum.

What is Black Algae?

Black algae, also known as Black-Brown algae, is a kind of cyanobacteria that grows in the crevices and rough surfaces of pool tiles, walls, and floors. Unlike other types of algae, black algae has a hard outer coating that gives it immunity to many traditional pool cleaning methods. It usually deposits dark blue-black or greenish-black spots on pool surfaces that can be difficult to scrub away by hand. Black algae’s capacity to cling onto porous surfaces means it can readily return unless wholly eradicated.

Regular algae are no big deal when it comes to pool maintenance, but this type of algae requires extreme care and attention because it can take hold of pool surfaces and stay alive in well-maintained pools if it goes untreated.

How Does Black Algae Affect Your Pool?

Black algae can negatively affect your pool in multiple ways. First, it can give your pool an unsightly and dirty appearance. This can make the water look murky, even when your filtration system works nicely. Also, black algae can create slippery areas that can become a safety risk, especially around the pool’s floor and walls.

Black algae also can proliferate quickly if not controlled. It flourishes in pools with inadequate circulation, low chlorine, or unregulated pH levels. It’s crucial to eliminate it soon before it moves, which will eventually happen, into other pool surfaces.”

Using a Robot Pool Cleaner to Get Rid of Black Algae

A pool robot is one of the most effective ways to clean your pool from black algae. Robot swimming pool cleaners, like the Beatbot AquaSense 2, are made to scrub the surfaces of the pool, including the floor, walls, and tile line, while sucking up debris and algae. With scrubbing brushes that can reach rough surfaces where the algae dwell, these robots are especially effective at eliminating black algae. This wall climbing capability in various robotic pool cleaners guarantees that every inch of the pool, including the sides and those elusive corners, gets a proper clean.

If you have the right pool-cleaning robot, even the most resilient black algae are no match. The Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro and other robots fill up their revolving containers to the brim, as their suction capabilities are powerful enough to cover the pool floor and remove algae that would otherwise cloud the water.

Pool Leaf Nets, Brushes, and Vacuums for Black Algae Cleanup

If you don’t have a robot pool cleaner available or would like to give your pool extra care, you can use other tools to deal with black algae. When cleaning floating algae in water, a pool vacuum or a vacuum cleaner for pools works a charm. You can also use a pool vacuum robot, which is like a robotic pool cleaner but typically works better for smaller cleanup plans or more specific cleaning jobs.

The best algae pool vacuum can remove debris from the bottom of the pool, while a skimmer can remove debris on the surface. But when it comes to actually taking care of the black algae on the walls of the pool, only a robot pool cleaner can do the job. For example, Maytronics pool cleaners are built for heavy-duty work, so they can easily help with algae cleanup.

What to Do to Stop Black Algae from Growing in Your Pool

Preventing it from forming is the best defense against black algae! You need to maintain it and keep the water chemistry finely tuned. Monitor your pool’s chlorine levels and pH balance. A well-circulated pool is less likely to develop algae growth than stagnant water.

Having a pool booster pump installed can enhance water circulation and effectively filter all areas of the pool. This keeps algae from sticking around and can simplify keeping your pool clean. A robotic pool cleaner does its job of cleaning your pool surfaces of dirt, so regular brushing helps prevent algae buildup.

If you have a stubborn supply of algae, you may need to acid wash your pool or talk to a professional about draining an inground pool without using a pump. Either approach can effectively eliminate stubborn algae buildup and return your pool to its former self.

Summary: Use the Appropriate Tools to Get Rid of Black Algae

To sum it up, black algae in a pool is a strong and stubborn adversary, but with the proper equipment, it can be appropriately scrubbed off, leaving your pool clean and welcoming! A robot pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro can scrub and vacuum algae from pool surfaces. If you do not find the cleaning thorough, tools like a pool vacuum or a vacuum cleaner can help remove the algae from the water. Regular maintenance and pool care are vital for preventing black algae from settling in the first place.

A high-quality swimming pool robot cleaner combined with the right water chemistry will ensure that your pool is always algae-free, safe, and inviting.